Martinez became a fan favorite in his one and half year tenure in a Red Sox uniform. The future Hall of Fame catcher / DH made the 2010 All-Star team before leaving in free agency to join the Tigers in 2011.

Now in 2017, the Red Sox are pursuing another Cleveland switch-hitter in first baseman, Carlos Santana. Since debuting in 2010, he has averaged a .249 batting average, .810 OPS, 25 home runs, and 85 RBI’s per season over his first seven seasons with the Indians.

Here are some reasons why signing Santana would be a good thing.

1. Versatility

Since coming up in 2010, Santana has played multiple positions including catcher, first base, third base, and outfield. His versatility would allow for the manager, Alex Cora, to give other players some rest as he could be slotted into multiple different positions.

2. Cost – Efficient

Santana would provide the lineup with length and depth, which they lacked last year. Though it is clear Santana is not as talented as free agent Eric Hosmer, he would not demand the same monetary compensation, but would still yield the draft pick compensation.

If the Red Sox are interested in Santana, they must act quickly, as the Seattle Mariners have already arranged a meeting between Santana and his agents.

The Red Sox are hoping that Santana will help in the short term, and long term, as they did with Martinez in 2009.

After Martinez left, the Sox were able to draft Matt Barnes, Blake Swihart, Henry Owens, JBJ, and Mookie Betts.

Carlos Santana is certainly not the shiny new toy that many Red Sox fans have been dreaming of, but he is a viable option if Dombrowski would like to save money for next year’s monster free agent class.